Faith Evans: A Journey Through Music, Acting, And Life

How Much is Faith Evans Worth?

Let’s talk about Faith Evans, a powerhouse in the music industry and beyond. With a net worth of $3 million, this incredible singer-songwriter, record producer, actress, and author has built a legacy that extends far beyond her vocal talents. Faith first made waves in 1994 when she became the first female artist to sign with Puff Daddy’s Bad Boy Entertainment. Her debut album and its follow-up both hit Platinum status, proving she wasn’t just another face in the crowd. In 2005, she released "The First Lady" under Capitol Records, which soared to the top of the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Of course, you might also recognize her as the widow of the legendary Notorious B.I.G., whose tragic murder in 1997 left an indelible mark on her life and career. Her tribute song, "I'll Be Missing You," featuring Puff Daddy and 112, earned her a Grammy in 1998 and topped charts worldwide, including the Billboard Hot 100, R&B charts, and international rankings in the UK, New Zealand, Australia, and the Netherlands.

But Faith’s journey didn’t stop there. She’s released seven studio albums, selling over 12 million records globally. Her acting career kicked off in the 2000 film "Turn It Up," and she penned her memoir, "Keep The Faith: A Memoir," in 2008, which snagged the 2009 African American Literary Award for Best Biography. This woman is truly a force to be reckoned with, and her story is far from over.

Her Beginnings: A Glimpse into Faith Evans' Early Life

Faith Evans wasn’t always the star we know today. Born Faith Renée Evans on June 10, 1973, in Lakeland, Florida, her path to greatness began in a modest setting. Her mom, Helene, was a singer, and her dad, Richard Swain, a musician, left before Faith was born. Six months later, Helene moved with baby Faith to Newark, New Jersey, where she was raised by Johnnie Mae (Helene’s cousin) and Orvelt Kennedy. The Kennedys were no ordinary foster parents—they cared for over 100 children while Faith was growing up. Eventually, Helene returned and moved next door, but Faith stayed put because she didn’t want to leave the only home she knew. Raised in a Christian household, Faith found her voice singing in church at just two years old. She attended Newark's University High School, where she honed her skills in jazz bands, graduating in 1991. Initially, she enrolled at Fordham University in New York City to study marketing, but a year later, she dropped out to focus on her music career and start a family with music producer Kiyamma Griffin, welcoming her daughter Chyna.

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Her Musical Odyssey

Breaking Into the Industry

1993 was a pivotal year for Faith. She moved to Los Angeles, where her talents as a backup singer for Al B. Sure! caught the eye of none other than Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs. He signed her to Bad Boy Entertainment in 1994, and the rest, as they say, is history. Before releasing her debut album, Faith lent her voice to projects by Mary J. Blige and Usher. Her self-titled album, "Faith," dropped in August 1995 and reached #2 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Her second album, "Keep the Faith," released in 1998, climbed to #6 on the Billboard 200.

A Decade of Hits

1997 marked a turning point in Faith’s life with the release of "I'll Be Missing You," a heartfelt tribute to her late husband, The Notorious B.I.G. This track dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for 11 weeks. Her third album, "Faithfully," released in 2001, earned Gold status, with the single "I Love You," penned by Jennifer Lopez, hitting #2 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. In 2005, she made waves again with "The First Lady," which hit #2 on the Billboard 200 and was certified Gold. That same year, she released the holiday album "A Faithful Christmas." Faith continued her creative streak by founding Prolific Music Group in 2010 and signing with E1 Entertainment, releasing "Something About Faith" later that year. Her single "Gone Already" spent over eight months on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. She followed up with "Incomparable" in 2014 and "The King & I," a duets album with the late Notorious B.I.G., in 2017.

Acting Ventures: Beyond the Mic

While Faith is undeniably a musical icon, her talents extend to the silver screen. She cut her teeth in acting during her teenage years, starring in plays before making her film debut in the 2000 movie "Turn It Up" alongside Ja Rule, Pras, and Jason Statham. In 2003, she played nightclub singer and single mother MaryAnn Hill in "The Fighting Temptations," starring alongside Cuba Gooding Jr. and Beyoncé. Faith’s acting credits also include roles in "Notorious" (2009), "Soul Kittens Cabaret" (2011), "Girls Trip" (2017), and "True to the Game 2: Gena's Story" (2020). She’s also made appearances on TV shows like "Half & Half," "Real Husbands of Hollywood," and "Marvel's Luke Cage." Fans of reality TV may recognize her from "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta," where she appeared both as a regular cast member and guest star. She even became a cast member on "R&B Divas: Atlanta" in 2012, serving as an executive producer for both that show and "R&B Divas: Los Angeles" in 2013.

Behind the Curtain: Faith Evans' Personal Life

Love and loss have played significant roles in Faith’s life. In 1994, she married rapper Christopher "The Notorious B.I.G." Wallace, with whom she had a son, Christopher George Latore Wallace Jr., in 1996. Their marriage wasn’t without challenges, including allegations from Tupac Shakur in 1996 that he had an affair with Faith during a period of estrangement. Tragically, Wallace was murdered in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles on March 9, 1997, leaving his murder unsolved to this day. Around the same time, Faith began a relationship with record company executive Todd Russaw, introduced to her by Missy Elliott. They welcomed a son, Joshua, in 1998 and later tied the knot. The couple expanded their family with another son, Ryder, in 2007. However, life had more twists in store. In 2004, Faith and Todd were arrested for marijuana and cocaine possession in Atlanta, agreeing to a drug-treatment program to clear their charges. Faith faced another legal issue in 2010 when she was arrested for suspected drunk driving in Marina del Rey, California, leading to her filing for divorce the following year. In 2018, she married producer and "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta" star Stevie J. (Steven Jordan), though their relationship hit turbulence when Faith was arrested for felony domestic violence in 2020; the charges were eventually dropped.

Honors and Accolades: Faith Evans' Legacy

Faith Evans' contributions to music and entertainment haven’t gone unnoticed. She’s received seven Grammy nominations, winning Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for "I'll Be Missing You" in 1998. This iconic song also earned her a Soul Train Award for Best R&B/Soul or Rap Music Video and two MTV Europe Music Award nominations. In 2018, she was celebrated as the Soul Train Lady of Soul, and she’s received nominations for Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist and R&B/Soul Album of the Year – Female for her album "Faith" in 1996. Faith Evans continues to inspire, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music and beyond.